CUYAHOGA COUNTY, OH – Cuyahoga County Sheriff Harold A. Pretel has downgraded the Snow Emergency for Cuyahoga County to Level 1. Hazardous driving conditions continue, and motorists are urged to drive cautiously and avoid unnecessary travel. Residents should follow the guidance of their home municipality on parking bans and road closures. Updates to the Snow Emergency will be sent via ReadyNotify and the Cuyahoga County Sheriff app.

If traveling by vehicle, residents are advised to clear snow from their vehicle before driving, travel at reduced speeds, increase following distance, and allow for extra time to reach destinations. Motorists should also prepare and travel with a vehicle go-kit that includes jumper cables, food and water, a flashlight, an ice scraper, and warm clothing and blankets. More information about personal preparedness can be found here.

The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Cold Warning starting today at 7 p.m. and extending through Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. Dangerously low temperatures and wind chills are expected to persist through next week, increasing risks to health and safety.

The Office of Emergency Management is urging residents to be prepared for hazardous weather conditions across the region. Forecasted conditions may result in power outages, downed trees and power lines, hazardous travel conditions, and an increased risk of hypothermia and frostbite.

Residents are reminded to:

• Use extreme caution around downed wires - do not touch or attempt to remove downed wires. Report downed wires to emergency services immediately.
• Limit travel when able and drive cautiously.
• Treat any intersection with a non-functioning traffic signal as a four way stop.
• Check on elderly neighbors and those at risk.
• Bring pets inside.

Anyone seeking shelter should contact United Way 211or visit the County’s Extreme Cold webpage. Residents are also encouraged to check in on seniors and those living at risk or needing assistance.

The City of Cleveland has activated Warming Centers through Wednesday, January 28.

Locations and hours are as follows:

• Monday, January 26 - open until 10 p.m.
• Tuesday, January 27 from 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.
• Wednesday, January 28 from 11:30 a.m. – 10p.m.

Locations:

• Michael Zone Recreation Center (West side) - 6301 Lorain Avenue
• EJ Kovacic Recreation Center (Near downtown) – 6250 St. Clair Avenue
• Zelma George Recreation Center (Southeast) – 3155 Martin L. King Boulevard
• Collinwood Recreation Center (Northeast) – 16300 Lakeshore Boulevard

Additional Resources:

• Cuyahoga County Division of Senior and Adult Servicesaids our senior population. Call 216-420-6700
• Office of Homeless Services
• HEAP Winter Crisis Program
• FEMA Winter Storm Guide

Cuyahoga County urges residents to follow cuyahogacounty.gov/coldweather for comprehensive cold weather resources. In addition, the County’s Office of Emergency Management provides lifesaving tips on preparedness that can help you and your loved ones stay safe during an emergency.

Residents are urged to sign up for alerts through the County’s emergency notification, Ready Notify.